Do size, histology, or cytology of colorectal adenomas and their removal influence serum CEA?

Based on the adenoma-carcinoma sequence the authors studied whether determination of serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) provided any conclusions concerning malignant transformation of a colorectal adenoma. In 32 patients with single or multiple adenomas, serum CEA did not differ from 119 healthy individuals. In 43 percent, a decrease of CEA could be observed after polypectomy, while it increased in 22 percent or remained unchanged in 35 percent. No correlation was found between adenoma volume and serum CEA. There was a tendency toward a higher serum CEA level in patients with villous adenoma as compared with those with tubular structure. CEA concentrations were independent from the degree of cellular atypia, but polypectomy was followed by a decrease of serum CEA in villous adenoma or of moderate cellular atypia, reflecting a possible influence on production or shedding of CEA by these subtypes of adenoma. The results indicate, therefore, that serum CEA is not able to recognize the malignant potential of colorectal adenoma.